Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/430

THE AMERICAN two questioning faces of MM. de Grosjoyaux and Ledoux. The doctor laid a hand on the patient's wrist and sat looking at him. He gave no sign, and the two gentlemen came in, M. Ledoux having first beckoned to some one outside. This was M. le curé, who carried in his hand an object unknown to Newman and covered with a white napkin. M. le curé was short, round and red: he advanced, pulling off his little black cap to Newman, and deposited his burden on the table; and then he sat down in the best armchair, folding his hands across his person. The other gentlemen had exchanged glances which expressed unanimity as to the timeliness of their presence. But for a long time Valentin neither spoke nor moved. It was Newman's belief afterwards that M. le curé had gone to sleep. At last, abruptly, their friend pronounced Newman's name. This visitor went to him and he said in French: "You're not alone. I want to speak to you alone."

Newman looked at the doctor and the doctor looked at the curé, who looked back at him; and then the doctor and the curé together gave a shrug. "Alone—for five minutes," Valentin repeated. "Please leave us." The curé took up his burden again and led the way out, followed by his companions. Newman closed the door behind them and came back to Valentin, who had watched all this intently.

"It 's very bad, it 's very bad," he said after Newman had seated himself close. "The more I think of it the worse it is."

"Oh, don't think of it!" Newman groaned. 400